Although the squad and structure remains largely unchanged, with director of cricket Martyn Moxon having just completed a decade back at the club, the new broom is sure to have its own style of sweeping.

In particular, Ballance will have the major role to play as captain, with the coach effectively there to support him and the players.

Gillespie was at pains to draw this distinction when Gale was his leader, with the captain in cricket having a far more influential role than the captain, say, in football.

“It’s been good so far,” said Ballance.

“It’s quite nice because Galey did about six or seven years of captaincy, so he knows what works well.

“He’s given me responsibility and he’s let me lead.

“I can still get advice from him, because he did such a good job.

“I’m still going to pick his brains and hopefully we can work well together.

“I’m obviously a different sort of character. I’m a bit more quiet, I guess, and all I will look to do is lead from the front on the field and in the nets.”

Gale said: “I still have my say, and me and Gary just work together on who is the best guy to talk at the right stages.

“When it comes to training and preparation, that’s all down to me.

“On match day, it’s up to Gary and the decisions out there on the field.

“He’s got to put his own stamp on it. That’s what I wanted as a captain, and I have to give him that opportunity as well.”

Ballance and Gale should complement each other.

Their quest for silverware is also boosted by Ballance’s availability after losing his England place and by the signing of Australian batsman Peter Handscomb, who debuts today.

Asked what is key to regaining the Championship, Ballance said: “Just being a bit more consistent with bat and ball.

“As a batting group, if we can get those big scores like we did in 2014 and 2015, which gave our attack a good score to bowl at and gave us a good chance to get 20 wickets, I think we’ll be fine.

“But I think that every team in Division One is good. It’s hard to single out just one side, and we’ll be giving it our best shot.”

Yorkshire drew the corresponding game last year, which was also the first of the season.

In addition to their main England players, who have not been made available, the club are without five frontline pace bowlers.

Ryan Sidebottom, Jack Brooks and Liam Plunkett are injured, while David Willey and Matthew Fisher are on the road to recovery.

As such, Ben Coad, the 23-year-old Harrogate-born pace bowler, is set to make only his second Championship appearance.

Hampshire are coached by ex-Yorkshire and England all-rounder Craig White.